Goodyear Ranks #1 in Winter Tire Performance Across Europe

Goodyear has emerged as the top-performing* winter tire brand across Europe’s most respected independent tire tests this season. With a total of 15 podium finishes across 19 possible tests, including five 1st place, seven 2nd place, and three 3rd place rankings, Goodyear’s winter range has consistently outperformed leading competitors in winter, studded and friction categories. 

This outstanding performance spans a wide range of conditions and tire types — from alpine roads to Nordic ice — and confirms Goodyear’s leadership in winter mobility. The results reflect the strength of Goodyear’s three flagship winter products: the UltraGrip Performance 3, UltraGrip Ice 3, and UltraGrip Arctic 2. 

Independent Validation of Excellence 

Goodyear’s #1 ranking is backed by a season of exceptional test results across publications such as ADAC, Auto Zeitung, AUTO MOTOR UND SPORT, Auto Bild allrad, AUTO EXPRESS, Teknikens Värld, Vi Bilägare, and more. These results not only validate Goodyear’s engineering excellence but also reinforce its reputation for delivering control, and performance in the harshest winter conditions. 

As further recognition, Auto Bild named Goodyear Top Manufacturer of the Year 2025 in the winter tires category, citing the outstanding performance of the UltraGrip Performance 3 in its latest tests.

Ben Glesener, senior technology director, Product Development, Consumer EMEA commented: "This season’s results reflect our relentless commitment to innovation and performance. Ranking #1 across independent winter tire tests and being named Top Manufacturer of the Year by Auto Bild reinforces the strength of our product portfolio. These achievements are not just accolades — they are proof points of Goodyear’s strategic ambition to be #1 in tires and service. We’re focused on delivering best-in-class solutions that meet the evolving needs of drivers and set new standards across the mobility landscape" 

Technology That Leads the Way 

Goodyear’s winter tire success is driven by cutting-edge technologies tailored to specific driving environments: 

UltraGrip Performance 3 

Designed for Central European winters, it features: 

o Snow Protect Technology: Increased sipe density and “snow claws” for optimal traction in deep snow 
o Wet Braking+ Technology: A rounded footprint for better water dispersion and reduced aquaplaning risk 
o 3D Sipes: Enhanced stiffness for improved dry road performance 

UltraGrip Ice 3 

A non-studded tire engineered for Nordic conditions: 

o Ice Grip Technology: Softer compound for better ice contact and elasticity at low temperatures 
o Ice Handling+ Technology: Improved footprint design for better handling on heavier vehicles 
o Snow Braking Technology: High sipe density and a large number of block edges for superior acceleration and braking 

UltraGrip Arctic 2 

A studded tire built for extreme Nordic winters: 

o Arctic Eagle Claw Studs: Sharp pin shape and innovative anchoring system for improved stud retention and increased number of studs for powerful grip on ice 
o Snow Grip Technology: Wider grooves and higher edge density for strong traction in snowy conditions 
o Noise Control: Optimized stud distribution and cushioning for reduced interior noise

*Based on 19 independent European tire tests published between September and November 2025 across multiple tire sizes and patterns. Test information available here.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 68,000 people and manufactures its products in 51 facilities in 19 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.